Open enrollment for Medicare can be stressful. Every year, people have a chance to review their health care choices and make changes if necessary. Medicare Open Enrollment is now underway in Florida, running from October 15 through December 7, 2025. For individuals considering a change, Open Enrollment is a key time to consider doing so. This annual window is more than just a routine check-in; it’s an opportunity to sit back and reassess your coverage, compare costs, and make critical decisions about your healthcare for the year ahead.
One of the most important choices many people face during this time is whether to stay with a Medicare Advantage plan or switch to Traditional Medicare. If you’re contemplating making a change, the decision will depend on your needs, finances, and preferences. Before making the change, here’s what you need to know.
Should you switch from your Medicare Advantage Plan to Traditional Medicare? During Open Enrollment, individuals may consider changing their Medicare Advantage plan to affect things like cost, coverage, in-network providers, etc. While Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) plans often come with enticing extras, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage, many people may experience difficulty and frustration. Many of these Advantage Plans also come with network restrictions, prior authorization requirements, and variable out-of-pocket costs. Often premiums may go up while benefits decrease. In our practice, we have seen where our clients have been severely limited in their choice of rehab facilities after a hospital stay because of the choice program they were on. For many, the limitations of these Advantage plans will outweigh the ‘enticing extras.’
In Florida, many seniors are finding that freedom of provider choice and predictable coverage are worth making the switch. This is especially so as an individual’s healthcare needs may become more complex with age. Switching to Traditional Medicare may be a good option to consider and may offer more simplicity.
If you’re weighing your options, here are some of the benefits you will see with Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B):
- Nationwide provider access (there are no network restrictions)
- Standardized coverage
- No need for referrals
- Flexibility to pair with Medigap and Part D plans for more comprehensive coverage
How do I make the Switch? If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and are considering the switch to Traditional Medicare, you can take advantage of the Open Enrollment Period to disenroll from your Advantage Plan and sign up for Traditional Medicare. To do so, contact 1-800-MEDICARE.
You may also consider reaching out to your local Aging & Disability Resource Center. Here in Pinellas County, our Area Agency on Aging sponsors the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders [SHINE] program. SHINE is a free program manned by trained volunteers who can assist you with understanding your health care options, which will aid you in making the decision about which programs may be best for you. To get connected with SHINE, individuals are encouraged to reach out at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963- 5337).